The role that business partners, sponsors and exhibitors play in IPWEA is critical. This is never more evident than when at conferences as recently showcased in both Adelaide and Auckland.
The long-standing relationships, friendships and connections that build over time from delegates and exhibitors/sponsors mixing together cannot be overstated. The common dialogue, shared experiences, new technologies and constantly innovating services which are offered to the industry, and demanded by the industry, all contribute to advancing the professionalism and efficiency of how we build better communities.
New Zealand’s conference theme summed it up best: Working together we can adapt, innovate and flourish.
For our valued sponsors it is not just the financial contribution – as significant as that is – but it is also the display costs, merchandising, manning and freight costs that must be considered. Added to this is also the time spent away from home base. To balance this equation, all of this is an essential component of marketing and brand building for any business.
The commercial ROI is not always immediate – but nor is it expected in the majority of cases. One recent discussion I had in Auckland summed it up well: one senior Council Director has a policy of not seeing trade reps. He made an exception recently because the person wanting to see him had been a long-standing exhibitor at IPWEA conferences.
Members are reminded that these financial investments by sponsors allow IPWEA to present the myriad of technical and keynote papers that the industry relies upon for its CPD and knowledge building.
Within your procurement policies, we ask that you give some weighting that recognises the support that our industry receives from our business partners. We all benefit from this investment.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, exhibitors and business partners. We couldn't do what we do, as well as we do it, without you.
Major fleet announcement
IPWEA is excited to announce that Robert Wilson has been appointed as Manager IPWEA fleet, working alongside Ross Moody who will continue as Executive Officer and Director Fleet.
Rob has an extensive background in fleet management and training and will strengthen IPWEA’s capabilities in developing new products and services.
Rob said: “I’m very happy to be joining the IPWEA team and look forward to continuing to build on the great service IPWEA provides to the fleet industry. The energy and enthusiasm of the team to keep building the benefits we provide is great and we’ve already got some new products and resources in the pipeline as we speak”
In addition, an IPWEA Fleet Council has been established to enhance the profile of IPWEA’s fleet program and provide a stronger industry voice. The council has representatives from around Australia and is chaired by Steven Colliver of Western Plains Regional Council, with Andrew Railz of Bundaberg Regional Council as Deputy Chair.
IPWEA's long-standing corporate partnership with Uniqco ceases on 30 June and IPWEA will no longer be associated with any service or product provided by Uniqco.
A range of new and enhanced online tools are currently under development and interim arrangements are in place to ensure the transition is seamless.
Robert Fuller
CEO, IPWEA Australasia
Image: Robert Wilson, IPWEA's new Fleet Manager.